Tips to open DOTX file

Can't open the DOTX file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open DOTX files as well as a list of programs that support DOTX files.

DOTX file extension

File Name Word Open XML Document Template
File Developer Microsoft
File Category Text Files

The DOTX file is supported on 4 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the DOTX files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the DOTX file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is DOTX file?

A .DOTX file is a template for a Microsoft Word document. This template is dedicated to files in .DOCX format (based on Open XML). For the older version of .DOC, the template will be .DOT. To make a template, a new document is created and after applying all changes it is saved as a template. Opening such a file will generate a new document in the same state as the saved template. However, the template will not be changed. It is a simple but very useful mechanism, especially when using a logo or company footer.

How to open DOTX file?

An often recurring problem with Word Open XML Document Template is that DOTX is not associated with the correct program file. This is manifested by the fact that DOTX files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the DOTX file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install Microsoft Word

In this case, you should first verify that the Microsoft Word application is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name Microsoft Word in it. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open DOTX files.

Step 2. Create association of Microsoft Word with DOTX files

If, despite the installed application, the DOTX file does not start in the Microsoft Word application, you must create a file association. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the Microsoft Word application as the default for handling the DOTX file.

Step 3. Update Microsoft Word to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the Microsoft Word program, it is possible that Word Open XML Document Template requires a newer version of the program. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the Microsoft Corporation website and install the latest version.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the DOTX file

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. File problems can be divided into the following:

Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This suggests truncating the DOTX file contents when downloading or copying. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the DOTX file that we want to open. Sometimes virus-infected DOTX files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the DOTX file. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged DOTX files. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact Microsoft
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted DOTX files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. It is best to move DOTX to a different directory.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. In this case, the DOTX file is blocked by the first application to open it. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the DOTX file again. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the DOTX file for a certain period of time. If nothing helps, please reset the device.